Three positive drug tests from London World Championships

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of the IAAF reported yesterday that there were three adverse analytical findings from the World Championships in London earlier this month.

None of the positive tests were from medallists, however. The identity of the athletes who tested positive will not be publicly announced until the disciplinary process has been completed.

"The AIU will not make any further comment at this stage, but in all cases, will publicly disclose appropriate details at relevant points of the disciplinary process, in accordance with the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules and AIU policy," a statement from the AIU said.

The AIU, which was formed by the IAAF late last year, announced that a total of 1,513 blood and urine samples were collected and analysed during the pre-competition from July 31 and in-competition from August 4 testing periods.

The samples were analysed at the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Ghent.

The samples, which were collected in London, have been transferred to, and stored in, a dedicated and secure facility for the purpose of retesting at a later date after the initial analyses.

So far, the retesting policy established by the IAAF at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki has resulted in 27 positive cases.

Of the 596 urine samples collected during London, 212 were analysed for the detection of erythropoietin.

The 917 blood samples collected included 725 for profiling purposes for the athlete biological passport (ABP) and 192 for the detection of the human growth hormone and erythropoiesis stimulating agents.